Tag Archives: Good News

Beliefs~Day 6~Write 28 Day Challenge

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Day 6: Beliefs
Singing My Way Through Write 28 Days
http://www.anitaojeda.com

“So faith comes from hearing, that is, hearing the Good News about Christ.” Romans 10:17 (NLT)

I Believe, But…

“Thou has said to walk on water
But I stumble in the sand
Oh, to run and not grow weary
Jesus come and hold my hand

For I believe, yes I believe
Please help my unbelief
For I believe, yes I believe
Oh, Lord
Please help my unbelief”
~Jeff Berry Band~

There are situations in the Bible that I can’t or don’t want to picture myself in. Ones like offering my long awaited, only child as a sacrifice to God or stepping unwavering into a fiery furnace. However, some moments captured by the writers of the Word seem to be stories taken from my own life. 

This is a familiar encounter in which Peter and I have much in common:

“Then Peter called to him, ‘Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.’ ‘Yes, come,’ Jesus said. So Peter went over the side of the boat and walked on the water toward Jesus. But when he saw the strong wind and the waves, he was terrified and began to sink. ‘Save me, Lord!’ he shouted. Jesus immediately reached out and grabbed him. ‘You have so little faith,’ Jesus said. ‘Why did you doubt me:’”
Matthew 14:28-31 (NLT)

And then, there’s the concerned father:

“‘How long has this been happening?’ Jesus asked the boy’s father. He replied, ‘Since he was a little boy. The spirit often throws him into the fire or into water, trying to kill him. Have mercy on us and help us, if you can.’ ‘What do you mean, If I can?’ Jesus asked. ‘Anything is possible if a person believes.’ The father instantly cried out, ‘I do believe, but help me overcome my unbelief!’”
Mark 9:21-24 (NLT)

Peter and the boy’s father knew just what to do in their situations. They went to Jesus. I do the same but unfortunately, I also share their belief problem. Way too often I, like Peter, take my eyes off of Jesus and focus instead on my circumstances and feelings, losing my footing as my faith takes a plunge. Or, when life throws me here and there I ask Jesus for help knowing He’s the only One who can, and yet find myself wondering if there really is anything He can do. 

“You have so little faith. Why do you doubt me? What do you mean, if I can?”

And I cry out, “I do believe, but help me overcome my unbelief!”

I wish those words didn’t live in me anymore and I’m not sure how long it will take until they don’t. But this I do know, we have to keep “climbing over the side of the boat” to get to Jesus. Look, He doesn’t leave Peter drowning in his doubt, rather, He reaches out for him. And He doesn’t quit on the questioning father, but heals his son instead. The same is true for you and me. When we “stumble in the sand” rather than walk on water, we can take all our doubts, questions, and yes even our unbeliefs to Jesus. He didn’t give up on them, the other disciples, “Doubting” Thomas, or any of those He encountered that needed help overcoming their unbelief. And the Good News is, He won’t give up on us, either. 

“Promise me Thou won’t forsake me
For my life depends on Thee
Engrave it on my heart reminding
That Your truth has set me free

Thou art great and full of light
That no eye can yet unreel
Please give to me only through your might
A heart that longs to kneel

For I believe, yes I believe
Please help my unbelief
For I believe, yes I believe
Oh, Lord
Please help my unbelief
~Jeff Berry Band~ 

Willing Footsteps

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“But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect,” 1 Peter 3:15 (NIV)

Willing Footsteps

My seatbelt was fastened and sunglasses in place. The radio volume was up and my toes were already tapping to the beat of a Praise song. I was all set for my trip across the mountains.  Having allowed enough time to get to my destination with a little to spare, things were moving along smoothly, that is until it came into view….that unexpected, unplanned for, “BE PREPARED TO STOP” sign!

First in line, I pulled up leaving a polite distance between the flagger and the front of my car, all the while averting my eyes from the actual man standing at the sign. Turning the volume up a little more hoping to pass the time singing along to my favorite songs, I prayed I wouldn’t now be late. The chorus of the first song hadn’t even played when out of the corner of my eye I caught a movement as  the man and his sign headed my way. My hope that he was only moving out to the middle of road so others could see him, was dashed  as it became clear that my driver’s side window was his destination. Nervously, I turned the radio down, tried to swallow my panic, and pushed the button to lower my window.

His sun-leathered skin was in stark contrast to the neon green shirt he had on.  A hat, sunglasses, and beard hid most of his face from my view but couldn’t begin to conceal the smile he wore as he approached the side of my car and me. What happened next was a total surprise and changed my day! As you might guess since I’m writing about it now, it’s left a lasting impression.

“Do you know Jesus?” he boldly asked me. Once I’d confirmed that I was indeed saved and headed to Heaven some day, this unlikely Apostle shared his own story of salvation.  He also added that while he was the owner of the paving company he took every opportunity possible to stop his managerial duties so he could man the flag to tell others about Christ.

Soon, the “Follow Me” vehicle appeared and it occurred to me that following this truck would lead me out of the work zone but following the actions of the flagger, my brother in Christ, would take me right into the midst of it!

So, here’s the big question: Am I willing… Are we willing to “be prepared to stop” what we are doing in our everyday lives to share the Gospel with those around us? I’m afraid that more than once I’ve had the could have, but instead of meeting the opportunity with a smile, I hesitated for one reason or another and missed the chance. My encounter with a preaching flag man has inspired me to do a better job because my friends, there’s no doubt that sharing the Good News is the task that God has prepared for each of us:

“He said to them, ‘Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.’ ” Mark 16:15 (NIV)

“In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead, and in view of his appearing and his kingdom, I give you this charge:  Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage – with great patience and careful instruction.”
2 Timothy 4:1-2 (NIV)

“How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard: And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: ‘How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!’ ” Romans 10:14-15 (NIV)

There’s no way to know how many lives in addition to mine, the “Fisher of Men” I met in the middle of the road has impacted, but I’m pretty sure his work-boot clad feet look absolutely beautiful to God! I pray that you and I are willing to follow in his footsteps!

And if you’re willing, I’d love to hear about people who have inspired you with their witness.

 

 

Write ~ 12/31 Days of Five Minute Free Writes

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“But Jesus told them, “I must preach the good news of the kingdom of God to the other towns as well, because that is why I was sent.” Luke 4:43 (NLT)

I’m old enough to remember back before iPhones, iPads….computers for that matter, ever existed.  In those days if we wanted to stay connected to one another we had to write letters.  Finding a letter from my grandparents, a friend, or other family members in the mailbox was always exciting!  Those pages were filled with the latest news, questions about our lives, and lots and lots of love. It wasn’t unusual to read them over and over again just to feel like we were right there with the ones who sent it.

In today’s world where people seem to talk to each other less and less, it occurs to me that we are the letters from God to those around us.  We were created to tell the Good News. When our words, the activities we’re involved in, and the way we treat others are different from the world, it may spur questions about why, and of course, love is the greatest thing we can pass on to those around us!

What letters do your life and mine write to the world?  We’ve been “signed, sealed, and delivered” to be a way to connect someone in need to God’s love and saving grace.  And as we share that over and over, the more we’ll feel we’re right in the presence of Him who sent us!